AMBULANCE workers across the East and West Midlands could go on strike in protest over a real-terms pay cut which the GMB Union describes as a ‘national disgrace’.
The union is balloting members of the regions’ two ambulance services over whether to take industrial action – with a consultative ballot showing a strong appetite for industrial action.
Just under 750 workers at West Midlands Ambulance Service and 2,000 at East Midlands Ambulance Service were balloted – with 88 per cent across the board voting in favour of industrial action, on respective turnouts of 51 and 65 per cent.
The union says its members are angry over the Government’s imposed four per cent pay award, which leaves them facing a real-terms pay cut.
GMB Senior Organiser Stuart Richards said: “Ambulance workers should be out on the streets trying to save lives – instead they’re worrying about feeding their own families. It’s a national disgrace.
“The Conservatives have been in power for more than 12 years and during that time our ambulance services have crumbled.
“We now face the first ambulance strike in 40 years and it’s a damning indictment of their leadership
“GMB Union will stand shoulder to shoulder with our members and fight for the above-inflation pay rise that our NHS workers deserve.”
Paramedics and ambulance workers will now be balloted for strike action. Dates of the vote will be announced in the coming days.
